Okla Jones

Atlanta

Senior Entertainment Editor at Essence

Journalist at Freelance

Sr. Entertainment Editor @ESSENCE

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Articles

Cardi B, Kendrick Lamar, OZ And Sony Music Publishing Take Top Honors At 2025 ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards - Essence | Essence

2 weeks ago | essence.com | Okla Jones

This year’s ceremony honored the trailblazers redefining rap, R&B, and gospel through innovation and impact.
‘Purpose,’ Paul Tazewell And Kara Young Win Big At The 78th Annual Tony Awards | Essence

2 weeks ago | essence.com | Okla Jones

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 08: Cynthia Erivo attends The 78th Annual Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall on June 08, 2025 in New York City.
Da’Vinchi & La La Anthony Reflect On Growth, Power And ‘BMF’ Season 4 | Essence

3 weeks ago | essence.com | Okla Jones

With the fourth season of STARZ’s hit crime drama BMF premiering today, the cast returns with more tension, power struggles, and personal evolution than ever before. Inspired by the real-life story of Demetrius “Big Meech” Flenory and Terry “Southwest T” Flenory, BMF dives deeper into the brothers’ diverging visions for their empire—and the personal sacrifices it takes to maintain it.
New Music This Week: GloRilla, Teyana Taylor, Mariah Carey And More - Essence

3 weeks ago | essence.com | Okla Jones

Happy Friday, folks! It’s the first weekend in June, and this month is already showing promise due to the quality releases we’ve seen thus far. From legendary returns to gospel greatness, this week is full of surprises, and of course, great music,Today, Lil Wayne drops his highly anticipated Tha Carter VI, which features appearances from Big Sean, 2 Chainz, BigXThaPlug and more.
“To Be Seen” Is A Powerful Portrait Of Black Queer Visibility | Essence

3 weeks ago | essence.com | Okla Jones

Jonathan Carver Moore’s “To Be Seen” Exhibition, 2025. At the heart of San Francisco’s Tenderloin district, gallery owner and curator Jonathan Carver Moore is preparing to open one of his most personal and ambitious exhibitions to date. Titled To Be Seen, the group show will debut June 5 at his namesake gallery and run through August 16, coinciding with Pride Month.
The Must-See Art Exhibitions This Summer - Essence

3 weeks ago | essence.com | Okla Jones

The new season is upon us, and it’s the perfect time to reconnect with creativity—and this summer, museums across the country are offering some of the most compelling art exhibitions in recent memory. From landmark retrospectives to urgent group shows that reckon with history, the current slate of exhibitions brings together bold perspectives on identity, resilience, and cultural legacy.
Ashlei Sharpe Chestnut On Fame, Representation, And The Journey From Stage To Screen | Essence

3 weeks ago | essence.com | Okla Jones

Ashlei Sharpe Chestnut. Makeup: Camara Aunique / Floral Arrangement: Tobore Oweh. Courtesy of Mark Clennon Photography. Ashlei Sharpe Chestnut is a people person, but not in the traditional sense. As I approached her for our interview at Soho House in West Hollywood last month, she was seated alone in the back lounge with a quiet presence that commanded the room.
Awol Erizku’s Defining Moment | Essence

3 weeks ago | essence.com | Okla Jones

Awol Erizku. In a year already marked by significant milestones, artist Awol Erizku is celebrating not one—but two—major solo exhibitions in his city. On March 26, the California African American Museum unveiled X, Erizku’s first museum solo show, a homecoming of sorts following its debut at the SCAD Museum of Art in Savannah.
Star Gazing: Roots Picnic 2025, Miami Swim Week, Serena Williams And More - Essence

3 weeks ago | essence.com | Okla Jones

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – MAY 31: Teyana Taylor attends Netflix Tudum 2025: The Live Event at The Kia Forum on May 31, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic) As the days grew warmer and the pace of events quickened, Black stars were everywhere this past week—turning heads with their impeccable style, commanding performances, and magnetic presence.
Best New Music This Week: Clipse, Leon Thomas, Keke Palmer And More | Essence

4 weeks ago | essence.com | Okla Jones

Happy Friday, folks. As we enter the final days of May, it’s important that we highlight the amazing new releases in music. From the return of a legendary rap duo to the sounds of a talented multihyphenate, this week is primed to be one of the best yet. Today, Leon Thomas comes back with a deluxe edition of last year’s critically-acclaimed album MUTT, titled HEEL.